Adjustable rotary pump with reduced wear

ABSTRACT

A rotary pump having a variable delivery volume, comprising: a casing; a delivery chamber formed in the casing; at least one delivery rotor which is rotatable in the delivery chamber; an actuating member which is arranged facing a front face of the delivery rotor or surrounds the delivery rotor, and is moveable in the casing for adjusting the delivery volume; the actuating member chargeable with an actuating force which is dependent on a fluid requirement; a track which is formed in the casing and guides the actuating member on an actuating member sliding surface in a sliding contact; and a sliding material which forms at least one of the track and the actuating member sliding surface.

This application claims priority to German Patent Application No. 102006 018 124.7 filed Apr. 19, 2006, which is incorporated in itsentirety herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Technical Field

The invention relates to a rotary pump having an adjustable, preferablyvariable, delivery volume, and a method for manufacturing it. The rotarypump can in particular be used as a lube oil pump for supplying lube oilto an internal combustion engine, in particular an internal combustionengine of a motor vehicle engine.

2. Description of the Related Art

Lube oil pumps in motor vehicles are driven in accordance with therotational speed of the engine which is to be supplied with the lubeoil, usually directly or via a mechanical gearing of the engine. Therotational speed of the pump correspondingly increases with therotational speed of the engine. Since rotary pumps have a constantspecific delivery volume, i.e. they deliver substantially the sameamount of fluid per revolution at any rotational speed, the deliveryvolume increases in proportion to the rotational speed of the pump. Theengine's requirement also increases roughly in proportion to therotational speed of the engine, up to a certain limiting rotationalspeed, beyond which however it deviates or at least levels out, suchthat when the limiting rotational speed is exceeded, the rotary pumpdelivers beyond the requirement. Adjustable rotary pumps have beendeveloped in order to not have to direct the excess delivered amountinto a reservoir, which incurs losses. Examples of adjustable rotarypumps include the internal-axle and external-axle toothed wheel pumpsknown from DE 102 22 131 B4. Adjustable vane pumps are also known. Thesepumps each comprise an actuating member which can be moved back andforth. In the examples cited, the delivery rotor is either a toothedwheel or a vane. In the known internal-axle toothed wheel pumps and vanepumps, the movement of the adjusting member adjusts the eccentricitybetween two mutually mating toothed wheels or the eccentricity betweenthe vane and the actuating member in accordance with the requirement ofthe consumer. In external-axle toothed wheel pumps, the axial engagementlength of two toothed wheels is adjusted. For adjusting, the respectiveactuating member is charged with an actuating force, for example chargeddirectly with the high-pressure fluid.

The actuating force is counteracted by a spring member. In pumps of thetype cited, which are increasingly manufactured from light metal alloys,in particular aluminum alloys, the surfaces of the pump casing and ofthe actuating member which are in frictional contact are surprisinglysubject to particular wear and determine the service life of the pump.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An exemplary embodiment of the invention is based on a displacement-typerotary pump which comprises a casing including a delivery chamber, adelivery rotor which can be rotated in the delivery chamber about arotational axis, and at least one actuating member which can be movedback and forth in the casing. The actuating member can surround thedelivery rotor or preferably can be arranged on, i.e. facing, a frontface of the delivery rotor. An actuating member which surrounds thedelivery rotor can in particular be provided in internal-axle pumps, forexample toothed ring pumps and vane pumps, and can be formed as arotationally mounted eccentric ring such as is known from DE 102 22 131B4 or EP 0 846 861 B1, or as a lifting ring. Preferably, however, anactuating member such as is known from external toothed wheel pumps, forexample from DE 102 22 131 B4, is arranged on or facing a front face ofthe delivery rotor and axially seals the delivery chamber on therelevant front face. Such an actuating member forms an actuating pistonwhich can be axially moved back and forth along the rotational axis ofthe feed wheel. An actuating member which surrounds the delivery rotoris rotationally or pivotably mounted, or alternatively can also bemounted such that it can be moved linearly. The delivery chambercomprises a low-pressure side and a high-pressure side. At least oneinlet is arranged on the low-pressure side, and at least one outlet fora fluid to be delivered is arranged on the high-pressure side. Thelow-pressure side of the delivery chamber and the entire upstreamportion of the system in which the pump is installed form thelow-pressure side of the pump. The high-pressure side of the deliverychamber and the entire subsequent downstream portion of the system formthe high-pressure side of the pump. The low-pressure side extends as faras a reservoir for the fluid, and the high-pressure side extends atleast as far as the most downstream point of consumption requiring ahigh fluid pressure.

The actuating member can be charged with an actuating force in thedirection of its mobility, said force being dependent on the pressure ofthe fluid on the high-pressure side of the pump or on another variableof the system which is decisive for the requirement. The pressure can betaken directly at the outlet of the delivery chamber or at a downstreampump outlet or can be taken from a point further downstream in thesystem, for example from the final point of consumption. Instead of orin addition to the pressure, the temperature of the fluid or of acomponent in the system in which the pump is installed, for example atemperature of the engine, can for example feature in forming theactuating force. Other physical variables for determining the actuatingforce are adduced as applicable. The actuating force can be generated bymeans of an additional actuating member, for example an electric motor.More preferably, however, the actuating member can be directly chargedwith the pressure of the fluid, i.e. during operation of the pump, it ischarged with the pressurized fluid. In preferred embodiments, inparticular in embodiments in which it is charged with the pressurizedfluid, the actuating member is charged with an elasticity force whichcounteracts the actuating force. The elasticity force is generated by anelasticity member, preferably a mechanical spring.

The actuating member is in sliding contact with the casing, since thecasing forms a track and the actuating member forms an actuating membersliding surface, and the actuating member is guided in the slidingcontact by the track by means of its sliding surface. The actuatingmember can also additionally be guided in other ways, for example in apivoting joint, however it is more preferably guided by the track only.

In accordance with the exemplary embodiment of the invention, theactuating member sliding surface and/or the track is/are formed from asliding material. The sliding material can in particular be a plastic, aceramic material, a nitride, a nickel-phosphorus compound, a slidingvarnish, namely a lubricating varnish or solid film lubricant, a DLCcoating, a Ferroprint coating or a nano-coating. The sliding materialcan form a surface coating. If the sliding material is a plastic, therelevant component—i.e. a casing portion forming the track, or theactuating member—can consist exclusively or at least substantially ofthe sliding material. In preferred embodiments, both the actuatingmember sliding surface and the track consist of a sliding material,either each of the same sliding material or each of a different slidingmaterial. However, wear is also reduced even if only the actuatingmember sliding surface or only the track consists of the slidingmaterial, wherein using the sliding material for the actuating membersliding surface is preferred.

The invention is based on the insight that furrowing, or conversely alsoadhesion, can be decisive for wear. Adhesion can in particular be thefrictional mechanism which determines wear when the friction partnerswhich are in sliding contact are so smooth that the frictional mechanismtakes a back seat to furrowing or abrasion. It has for instance beenestablished for adjustable external toothed wheel pumps that theactuating members arranged facing the front faces of the delivery rotorwhich can be axially moved, i.e. the two actuating pistons, are subjectto considerable oscillating frictional wear. The adjusting movementsrequired for setting the delivery volume are too slow to be causing theoscillating frictional wear. However, the adjusting movements aresuperimposed with oscillations having short strokes as compared to thevarying movements and a substantially higher frequency. This thereforecauses adhesion between the sliding surfaces of the actuating membersand the track of the pump casing, resulting locally in material welding,which breaks away due to the adjusting movements. In accordance with theinvention, the sliding partners—i.e. the sliding surface of the one ormore actuating members and the one or more tracks of the casing—areconfigured such that the adhesion tendency in the friction system issignificantly reduced as compared to the surfaces made of aluminumalloys which are usual for the sliding partners. The sliding material isadvantageously chosen to exhibit an adhesion energy or free surfaceenergy which is at most half the adhesion energy of pure aluminum. Thiscondition is fulfilled in particular by plastic materials and ceramicmaterials, preferably metal oxide ceramics, but also by the othersliding materials cited above. The adhesion energy or free bindingenergy increases with the density of free electrons. Accordingly, therequirement for a low adhesion energy is fulfilled by materials having alow density of free electrons.

Heat-resistant thermoplasts are one group of materials which areparticularly suitable as the sliding material. The one or—asapplicable—more polymers of the plastic sliding material areadvantageously modified to lubrication, i.e. the plastic contains asliding additive which improves its sliding properties. Such a slidingmaterial is also highly suitable in cases in which only one of thesliding partners of the friction system consists of a sliding material.A preferred sliding additive is graphite. Alternatively, a polymer fromthe group of fluoropolymers may above all be considered as a slidingadditive. A preferred example from this group is polytetrafluoroethylene(PTFE). Particularly preferably, both graphite and at least onefluoropolymer, preferably PTFE, are added to the polymer, copolymer,polymer mixture or polymer blend, as sliding additives. The proportionof the sliding additive should be at least 10% by weight in total;preferably, the proportion of the sliding additive is 20±5% by weight intotal. If different materials form the sliding additive, the individualproportions should be at least substantially the same. Plastic slidingmaterials containing 10±2% by weight of graphite and 10±2% by weight offluoropolymer are for instance preferred. Adding fibrous material isalso regarded as being advantageous, wherein carbon fibers are preferredas the fibrous material. Glass fibers should not be added, since theycan form fine needle points on the surface of the sliding layer formedfrom the sliding material and therefore impair its sliding properties.The plastic sliding material preferably contains 10±5% by weight, morepreferably 10±3% by weight of fibrous material.

Plastics which are preferred as the sliding material contain 70±10% byweight of polymer material. Although polymer mixtures or polymer blendsmay in principle be considered as the base material, the plastic slidingmaterial preferably contains only one type of polymer. Polymers, withtheir long hydrocarbon chains, have a very low density of free electronsand also correspondingly few free spaces for free electrons of thesliding partner. Amorphous polymers, with their convoluted chains ofmolecules, are particularly advantageous in this regard. The degree ofcrystallinity of the polymer material should be as low as possible.Conversely, the polymer material should not have any practicallysignificant entropy elasticity. The minimum working temperature shouldbe around −40° C., preferably below this. The permanent workingtemperature should be at least +150° C. Within this range of workingtemperatures, a low creeping tendency, sufficient mechanical stabilityand dimensional stability are required. For its use in vehiclemanufacturing, the plastic sliding material should also be resistant tofuel. Resistance to the fluid delivered should be a general requirement.It is also advantageous if the sliding material also has the ability toembed or absorb hard particles which can be created by furrowing, i.e.attrition. Preferred polymer materials are:

-   -   polysulphone (PSU) or in particular polyether sulphone (PES),        and copolymerides of PES and polysulphone (PSU);    -   polyphenylene sulfide (PPS);    -   polyether ketones, namely PAEK, PEK or in particular PEEK;    -   polyphthalamide (PPA);    -   and polyamide (PA).

In preferred first embodiments, the actuating member is formed from theplastic sliding material, preferably by injection molding. In suchembodiments, it preferably consists of the plastic. In principle,however, inserts can be embedded in the plastic; in this sense, theactuating member at least substantially consists of the plastic slidingmaterial. Instead of the actuating member, a casing portion which formsthe track can also formed from the plastic sliding material, preferablyby injection molding and from the plastic alone or at leastsubstantially from the plastic, in the above sense. In a comparativelypreferred variant, the casing is formed from a metal, preferably lightmetal, and the track is formed by an insert, preferably a bushing,consisting of the plastic sliding material. In principle, the actuatingmember and a casing portion which forms the track, in particular aninsert, can also each be formed from the plastic sliding material.Within the context of the first embodiments, it is particularlypreferred if only the actuating member consists at least substantiallyof the plastic sliding material, while the track is formed only as asurface coating by a plastic sliding material or, as applicable, anothersliding material, or is formed as a non-coated metal surface.

In preferred second embodiments, at least one of the sliding surfaceswhich are in sliding contact is formed by a thin sliding layer. Theactuating member and/or the casing portion forming the track consists orconsists of another material below the superficial sliding layer, i.e. asubstrate material. The substrate material can in particular be a metal,preferably a light metal. Prospective light metals are above allaluminum, aluminum alloys and magnesium alloys. In the secondembodiments, both sliding surfaces are preferably formed as superficialsliding layers, each from a sliding material which has a significantlylower adhesion energy than aluminum or magnesium. If only one of thesliding surfaces of the two sliding partners consists of the slidingmaterial, it is preferably the sliding surface of the actuating member.A combination of a first and second embodiment is also advantageous,wherein the actuating member or the casing portion forming the track,preferably an insert, at least substantially consists of plastic and theother part comprises a surface layer made of the sliding material, forexample also made of plastic or made of a ceramic material.

The superficial sliding layer can be formed by applying the slidingmaterial or by modifying the substrate material. Plastic slidingmaterial is applied; preferably, the plastic is injection-molded aroundthe blank formed from the substrate material. The plastic slidingmaterial should exhibit a longitudinal thermal expansion which comes asclose as possible to the longitudinal expansion of the substratematerial. Modifying light-metal substrate materials, by contrast,creates a metal-oxide ceramic sliding layer or a nitride layer. If thesubstrate material is aluminum or an aluminum alloy, the sliding layeris preferably obtained by anodisation. Anodisation can in particularform a so-called Hardcoat® sliding layer or more preferably a so-calledHardcoat® smooth sliding layer. Hardcoat® smooth electrolytes consist ofa mixture of oxalic acid and additives. Sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) isgenerally used to manufacture Hardcoat® layers. Anodic oxidation methodsfor forming a metal-ceramic sliding layer comparable to Al₂O₃ slidinglayers are also known for magnesium and magnesium alloys as thesubstrate material, for example the so-called DOW method. PTFE ispreferably dispersed in the ceramic sliding layer; the ceramic isimpregnated with PTFE, so to speak.

As already mentioned, the casing or also only a casing portion formingthe track can in particular be formed from aluminum or an aluminumalloy. The casing or the relevant casing portion is preferably cast. Thealuminum alloy is therefore preferably a cast aluminum alloy. If theactuating member does not at least substantially consist of plasticsliding material, it is preferably formed from aluminum or an aluminumalloy, preferably a cast alloy, preferably by casting and then extrudingor by sintering and calibrating. It holds for both the casing portionand the actuating member that the respective aluminum alloy preferablycontains 10±2% by weight of silicon. The respective alloy alsopreferably contains copper, though at a proportion of at most 4% byweight, preferably at most 3% by weight. It can furthermore contain asmaller proportion of iron. The casing portion, and preferably otherportions of the casing, is or are preferably formed by sand casting ordie casting, wherein die casting is primarily appropriate forlarger-volume runs and sand casting is primarily appropriate forsmaller-volume runs. Chill casting can also be used instead of sandcasting. A particularly preferred alloy for the casing portion and alsofor the casing as a whole is AlSi8Cu3 if it is formed by sand casting orchill casting, and AlSi9Cu3 plus a small proportion of iron if it isformed by die casting.

Nitrides which are preferred as the sliding material are titanium carbonnitride (TiCN) and in particular nitrided steel. Steels having a highchromium content, preferably with a proportion of molybdenum and alsopreferably with a proportion of vanadium, for example 30CrMoV9, are inparticular used as nitrided steels. TiCN is used as a surface coating ona light-metal substrate material. If nitrided steel forms the slidingmaterial, the corresponding steel is preferably the substrate material.For instance, the actuating member can in particular be formed from thesteel and the actuating member sliding surface can consist of thenitrided steel. A particularly preferred tribological pairing isHardcoat® ceramic or Hardcoat® smooth ceramic for one sliding partnerand nitrided steel for the other sliding partner. The ceramic slidingmaterial of this pairing can contain PTFE, however low wear is alsoachieved when using the ceramic only. A tribological pairing ofHardcoat® ceramic or Hardcoat® smooth ceramic with sintered tin bronzeis also an alternative, although only a conditionally preferredalternative with regard to its thermal expansion.

A DLC (diamond-like carbon) coating, and then in particular a tungstencarbide coating, also has a wear-reducing effect. A DLC sliding coatingcan in particular be produced by plasma-coating.

Sliding varnishes are also suitable sliding materials, wherein it alsoholds for sliding varnishes that, while wear is reduced even if only oneof the sliding partners is coated, a sliding varnish coating on bothsliding partners of the friction system is however preferred. Acombination of a sliding varnish for one sliding partner and a plasticmaterial for the other sliding partner is also an advantageous solution.The sliding varnish consists of an organic or inorganic binder, one ormore solid lubricants and additives. MoS₂, graphite or PTFE,individually or in combination, may in particular be considered as thesolid lubricant. Before being coated with the sliding varnish, thesurface to be coated is pre-treated, expediently by forming a phosphatelayer on the surface to be coated. One particular sliding varnish isFerroprint, which contains fine steel tips as the solid lubricant.

If a nano-coating forms the sliding material, nano-phosphorus compoundscan in particular form the sliding layer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Example embodiments of the invention are explained below on the basis offigures. Features disclosed by the example embodiments, eachindividually and in any combination of features which are not mutuallyexclusive, advantageously develop the subjects of the embodimentsdescribed above. There is shown:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of a delivery chamber of an externaltoothed wheel pump comprising two delivery rotors in toothed engagement;and

FIG. 2 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the external toothedwheel pump.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a cross-section of an external toothed wheel pump. In apump casing comprising a casing portion 3 and a cover 6 (FIG. 2), adelivery chamber is formed in which two externally toothed deliveryrotors 1 and 2 in the form of externally toothed wheels are mounted suchthat they can rotate about parallel rotational axes R₁ and R₂. Thedelivery rotor 1 is rotary driven, for example by the crankshaft of aninternal combustion engine of a motor vehicle. The delivery rotors 1 and2 are in toothed engagement with each other, such that when the deliveryrotor 1 is rotary driven, the delivery rotor 2 mating with it is alsorotationally driven. An inlet 4 feeds into the delivery chamber on alow-pressure side, and an outlet 5 on a high-pressure side, for a fluidto be delivered, preferably lube oil for an internal combustion engine.The casing portion 3 forms a radial sealing surface 9 which faces eachof the delivery rotors 1 and 2 in the radial direction and encloses therespective delivery rotor 1 or 2 circumferentially, forming a narrowradial sealing gap. For the delivery rotor 1, the casing 3, 6 also formsan axial sealing surface on each front face of the delivery rotor 1,axially facing it, of which the sealing surface 7 can be seen in FIG. 1.Another axial sealing surface is formed axially facing each of the twofront faces of the delivery rotor 2, of which the sealing surface 17 canbe seen in the cross-section in FIG. 1.

By rotary driving the delivery rotors 1 and 2, fluid is suctioned intothe delivery chamber through the inlet 4 and, in the tooth gaps of thedelivery rotors 1 and 2, delivered through the respective enclosure tothe high-pressure side of the delivery chamber, where it is deliveredthrough the outlet 5 to the consumer—in the assumed example, theinternal combustion engine. During the delivery action, thehigh-pressure side is separated from the low-pressure side by thesealing gaps formed between the delivery rotors 1 and 2 and the sealingsurfaces cited, and by the toothed engagement of the delivery rotors 1and 2. The delivery rate of the pump increases in proportion to therotational speed of the delivery rotors 1 and 2. Since, above a certainlimiting rotational speed, the internal combustion engine—assumed as theconsumer by way of example—absorbs less lube oil than the pump woulddeliver in accordance with its characteristic curve which increases inproportion to the rotational speed, the delivery rate of the pump isregulated above the limiting rotational speed. For regulation, thedelivery rotor 2 can be moved axially, i.e. along its rotational axisR₂, back and forth relative to the delivery rotor 1, such that theengagement length of the delivery rotors 1 and 2, and correspondinglythe delivery rate, can be changed.

In FIG. 2, the delivery rotor 2 assumes an axial position exhibiting anaxial overlap, i.e. an engagement length, which has already been reducedas compared to the maximum engagement length. The delivery rotor 2 ispart of an adjusting unit consisting of a bearing journal 14, anactuating member 15, an actuating member 16 and the delivery rotor 2which is mounted on the bearing journal 14 between the actuating members15 and 16 such that it can rotate. The bearing journal 14 connects theactuating members 15 and 16 to each other, secure against rotation. Theactuating member 16 forms the axial sealing surface 17 facing thedelivery rotor 2. The actuating member 15 forms the other axial sealingsurface 18. The entire adjusting unit is mounted, secured againstrotation, in a shifting space of the pump casing 3, 6, such that it canshift axially back and forth.

The casing is formed by the casing portion 3 and the casing cover 6which is fixedly connected to it. The casing cover 6 is formed with abase, the front face of which facing the delivery rotor 1 forms thesealing surface 7. On the opposite front face, the casing portion 3forms the fourth axial sealing surface 8 which axially faces thedelivery rotor 1. The side of the sealing surface 8 facing the adjustingunit is provided with a circular segment-shaped cutaway for theactuating member 15. The side of the actuating member 16 facing thedelivery rotor 1 is provided with a circular segment-shaped cutaway forthe base 6 forming the sealing surface 7. Apart from the respectivecutaway, the sealing surface 7 corresponds to the sealing surface 8, andthe sealing surface 17 corresponds to the sealing surface 18.

The adjusting members 15 and 16 of the example embodiment are adjustingpistons. The shifting space in which the adjusting unit can be movedaxially back and forth comprises a partial space 10 which is limited bythe rear side of the actuating member 15 and a partial space 11 which islimited by the rear side of the actuating member 16. The partial space11 is connected to the high-pressure side of the pump and is constantlycharged with pressurized fluid diverted there, thus acting on the rearside of the actuating member 16. A mechanical pressure spring isarranged in the space 10 as an elasticity member 12, the elasticityforce of which acts on the rear side of the actuating member 15. Theelasticity member 12 counteracts the pressure force acting on theactuating member 16 in the partial space 11. The regulation of suchexternal toothed wheel pumps is known and does not therefore need to beexplained. The regulation can in particular be configured in accordancewith DE 102 22 131 B4.

If the axial sealing surfaces 7, 8 and 17, 18 were circumferentiallysmooth and the axial sealing gaps correspondingly circumferentiallynarrow, fluid on the high-pressure side in the engagement region of thedelivery rotors 1 and 2 would be squeezed, i.e. compressed even beyondthe pressure of the high-pressure side, and delivered to thelow-pressure side. A drive output is consumed for squeezing the fluid,and a delivery flow pulsation is also associated with the particularcompression of the fluid and its transport through the toothedengagement.

In order to eliminate the disadvantages cited, the sealing surfaces 7,8, 17 and 18 are each provided with a relieving pocket on thehigh-pressure side. Of the four pockets, the pockets 7 a and 17 a can beseen in FIG. 1. Relieving pockets are only formed on the high-pressureside. The casing portion 3 guides the actuating members 15 and 16 in asliding contact. For the sliding contact, the casing portion 3 forms atrack 3 a and the casing portion 3 together with the cover 6 forms atrack 3 b, 6 b. The actuating members 15 and 16 each form an actuatingmember sliding surface 15 a and 16 a at their outer circumferentialsurface. More specifically, the track 3 a and the actuating membersliding surface 15 a on the one hand, and the track 3 b, 6 b and theactuating member sliding surface 16 a on the other hand, are in slidingcontact. In the prior art, it is usual to produce the casing 3, 6 andthe actuating members 15 and 16 from light metal alloys. In the frictionsystems formed from the tracks 3 a and 3 b, 6 b on the one hand and theactuating member sliding surfaces 15 a and 16 b on the other hand, aparticular sliding material forms at least one of each of the slidingpartners of the relevant friction system, wherein in the friction system3 a/15 a, either the track 3 a or the actuating member sliding surface15 a can be formed by the sliding material. The same sliding materialcan also form both the track 3 a and the actuating member slidingsurface 15 a. Lastly, the two sliding surfaces 3 a and 15 a can each beformed by a different sliding material. The same applies in relation tothe other friction system 3 b, 6 b/16 a. If only one of the slidingpartners of the respective friction system consists of the slidingmaterial, the same sliding material is expediently used in each case. Ifboth friction partners consist of a sliding material, the actuatingmember sliding surfaces 15 a and 16 b are each formed by the samesliding material or the tracks 3 a, 3 b and 6 b are each formed by thesame sliding material.

Although in principle one of the sliding partners in the respectivefriction system can consist of a metal alloy, preferably a light metalalloy, it is in accordance with preferred example embodiments if each ofthe sliding partners is formed by a particular sliding material having alow adhesion energy. The sliding material of the sliding partners of therespective friction system can be the same or can be different. Theactuating members 15 and 16 can be formed entirely from the slidingmaterial, or can be formed from a substrate material, preferably a lightmetal alloy, and each superficially comprise a sliding layer made of thesliding material. The casing—in the example embodiment, the casingportion 3 and the cover 6—can also be formed from plastic, however inpreferred example embodiments, at least the casing portion 3 andpreferably the cover 6 are cast from a metal alloy, preferably a lightmetal alloy. Aluminum alloys may in particular be considered as thelight metal. Preferred examples are given below:

EXAMPLE 1

casing portion 3 and cover 6: each made of an AlSi9Cu3(Fe) die castactuating members 15 and 16: PES compound: 10% by weight of carbonfibers, 10% by weight of graphite, 10% by weight of PTFE, remainder PES(e.g. ULTRASON ®)

In Example 1, the casing portion 3 and the cover 6 are each formed fromthe same aluminum alloy, namely AlSi9Cu3, by die casting. The alloy cancontain a small proportion of iron. The tracks 3 a, 3 b and 6 b areobtained in an exact fit by being mechanically machined. The actuatingmembers 15 and 16 are each formed entirely from the specified plasticsliding material. The sliding surfaces 15 a and 16 a are produced in anexact fit by being mechanically machined.

EXAMPLE 2

casing portion 3 and cover 6: each made of an AlSi9Cu3(Fe) die castactuating members 15 and 16: PES compound: 10% by weight of carbonfibers, 10% by weight of graphite, 10% by weight of PTFE, remainder PES(e.g. ULTRASON ®) tracks 3a, 3b and 6b: coated with plastic or slidingvarnish modified to lubrication

Except for the tracks 3 a, 3 b and 6 b, Example 2 corresponds toExample 1. Unlike Example 1, however, each of the tracks 3 a, 3 b and 6b is formed by a sliding layer of plastic sliding material or slidingvarnish. The plastic sliding material can in particular be the materialof the actuating members 15 and 16.

EXAMPLE 3

casing portion 3 and cover 6: each made of an AlSi9Cu3(Fe) die castactuating members 15 and 16: extruded parts made of a cast aluminumsemi-finished product as the substrate material, for example AlSi8Cu3sliding surfaces 15a and 16a: PES compound: 10% by weight of carbonfibers, 10% by weight of graphite, 10% by weight of PTFE, remainder PES(e.g. ULTRASON ®)

The casing portion 3 and the cover 6 correspond to Example 1. Theactuating members 15 and 16 each consist of the same aluminum alloy,preferably AlSi8Cu3. They are formed from a cast semi-finished productof the aluminum alloy, by extrusion. At least the circumferentialsurfaces are then each provided with a sliding layer of the plasticsliding material. Instead of forming the blanks of the actuating members15 and 16 by extrusion, the blanks can be formed by sintering andcalibrating. The extruded or calibrated blanks are heated and theplastic sliding material is injection-molded around them in a die,preferably completely enclosing them.

EXAMPLE 4

casing portion 3 and cover 6: each made of an AlSi9Cu3(Fe) die casttracks 3a, 3b and 6b: Hardcoat ® smooth (Hardcoat ® smooth slidinglayer, preferably impregnated with PTFE) actuating members 15 and 16:extruded parts made of a cast aluminum semi-finished product as thesubstrate material, for example AlSi8Cu3 sliding surfaces 15a and 16a:Hardcoat ® smooth (Hardcoat ® smooth sliding layer, preferablyimpregnated with PTFE)

The casing portion 3 and the cover 6 correspond to Example 1. Theactuating members 15 and 16 each consist of the same aluminum alloy,preferably AlSi8Cu3. They are either formed from a cast semi-finishedproduct by extrusion or alternatively by sintering and calibrating. Theactuating member blanks are then anodized at least on theircircumferential surface forming the respective sliding surface 15 a and16 a. A mixture of oxalic acid and additives is used as the electrolyte,such that a sliding layer of Al₂O₃ Hardcoat® smooth is formed on each ofthe outer circumferential surfaces. The sliding layer is preferablyimpregnated with PTFE. The tracks 3 a, 3 b and 6 b are formed in thesame way, also each as a Hardcoat® smooth sliding layer, preferably as aPTFE-impregnated sliding layer.

In a modification, one of the two sliding partners or also both slidingpartners can each be formed as a Hardcoat® sliding layer, alsopreferably as a PTFE-impregnated sliding layer.

EXAMPLE 5

casing portion 3 and cover 6: each made of an AlSi9Cu3(Fe) die casttracks 3a, 3b and 6b: Hardcoat ® sliding layer actuating members 15 and16: steel, for example 30CrMoV9, as the substrate material slidingsurfaces 15a and 16a: nitrided steel

The casing portion 3 and the cover 6 correspond to Example 1 and, onceformed, are anodized such that the tracks 3 a, 3 b and 6 b are obtainedas an Al₂O₃ Hardcoat® (Hardcoat® sliding layer). The Hardcoat® slidinglayer can be impregnated with PTFE. The actuating members 15 and 16 areformed from steel and nitrided on their surface, at least on their outercircumferential surfaces.

EXAMPLE 6

casing portion 3 and cover 6: AlSi8Cu3 sand cast or chill cast actuatingmembers 15 and 16: extruded parts made of a cast aluminum semi-finishedproduct as the substrate material, for example AlSi8Cu3 sliding surfaces15a and 16a: Hardcoat ® smooth (Hardcoat ® smooth sliding layer)

The casing portion 3 and the cover 6 are each formed from AlSi8Cu3 bysand casting or chill casting. The tracks 3 a, 3 b and 6 b are producedin an exact fit by being mechanically machined. The actuating members 15and 16 are each formed from a cast aluminum semi-finished product byextrusion, and anodized. A mixture of oxalic acid and additives is usedas the electrolyte, such that a sliding layer of Al₂O₃ Hardcoat® smooth(Hardcoat® smooth sliding layer) is formed on each of the outercircumferential surfaces. The Hardcoat® smooth sliding layer preferablycontains PTFE.

In a modification, a Hardcoat® ceramic or Hardcoat® smooth ceramic alsoforms the tracks 3 a, 3 b and 6 b, wherein here, too, the ceramic canadvantageously be impregnated with PTFE.

The method of manufacture and choice of materials in the last exampleembodiment is particularly suitable for smaller-volume runs, whileforming the casing portions 3 and 6 by die casting is the better choicefor large-volume runs. Metal-ceramic sliding layers are particularlysuitable for use in friction systems comprising a light-metal sand caststructure or chill cast structure or light-metal cast alloys in generalwhich are solidified at or near thermodynamic equilibrium. Inconjunction with die cast parts as sliding partners, the α-mixedcrystals—for example AlSi—of the die cast structure, which are smallerdue to the shorter cooling time, cause problems which for metal-oxideceramic sliding layers act as fine abrasive grains. If one of thesliding partners comprises a die cast structure or a metastable phase ingeneral on its sliding surface, then heat-resistant thermoplastsmodified to lubrication are the better choice, or each of the twosliding partners should comprise a Hardcoat® sliding layer or Hardcoat®smooth sliding layer. Even for sand cast structures or chill caststructures, however, both sliding partners preferably consist of asliding material having a low adhesion energy.

In the foregoing description, preferred embodiments of the inventionhave been presented for the purpose of illustration and description.They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to theprecise form disclosed. Obvious modifications or variations are possiblein light of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen anddescribed to provide the best illustration of the principals of theinvention and its practical application, and to enable one of ordinaryskill in the art to utilize the invention in various embodiments andwith various modifications as are suited to the particular usecontemplated. All such modifications and variations are within the scopeof the invention as determined by the appended claims when interpretedin accordance with the breadth they are fairly, legally, and equitablyentitled to.

1. A rotary pump having a variable delivery volume, comprising: acasing; a delivery chamber formed in the casing and comprising an inletfor a fluid on a low-pressure side and an outlet for the fluid on ahigh-pressure side of the pump; at least one delivery rotor rotatable inthe delivery chamber about a rotational axis; an actuating member whichis arranged facing a front face of the delivery rotor or surrounds thedelivery rotor, and is moveable in the casing for adjusting the deliveryvolume; the actuating member chargeable, in the direction of itsmobility, with an actuating force which is dependent on a fluidrequirement; a track which is formed in the casing and guides theactuating member on an actuating member sliding surface in a slidingcontact; and a sliding material which forms at least one of the trackand the actuating member sliding surface.
 2. The rotary pump accordingto claim 1, wherein the sliding material consists of at least one ofplastic, ceramic, nitride, a nickel-phosphorus compound, a slidingvarnish, a DLC coating, a Ferroprint coating or a nano-coating.
 3. Therotary pump according to claim 1, wherein the sliding material exhibitsan adhesion energy which is at most half an adhesion energy of aluminum.4. The rotary pump according to claim 1, wherein: the actuating member,another actuating member and the delivery rotor are part of an adjustingunit which can be moved as a whole back and forth in the casing; theactuating members are each arranged facing one of the front faces of thedelivery rotor, and another track is formed in the casing which guidesthe other actuating member on its actuating member sliding surface in asliding contact; and wherein at least one of the other track and theactuating member sliding surface of the other actuating member consistsof the sliding material.
 5. The rotary pump according to claim 1,wherein the sliding material is a thermoplast modified to lubrication.6. The rotary pump according to claim 1, wherein the sliding material isa polymer compound of at least one heat-resistant polymer filled withfibrous material and a sliding additive.
 7. The rotary pump according toclaim 6, wherein the sliding material comprises at least one ofgraphite, a fluoropolymer and PTFE.
 8. The rotary pump according toclaim 6, wherein the proportion of polymer is at least 60% by weight andat most 80% by weight.
 9. The rotary pump according to claim 6, whereinthe proportion of the sliding additive is at least 10% by weight and atmost 30% by weight.
 10. The rotary pump according to claim 6, whereinthe proportion of the fibrous material is at least 5% by weight and atmost 15% by weight.
 11. The rotary pump according to claim 6, whereinthe fibrous material comprises or consists of carbon fibers.
 12. Therotary pump according to claim 1, wherein the sliding material is aplastic, and a base material of the plastic is a polymer includingcopolymer, a mixture of polymers or a polymer blend from the groupconsisting of polyether sulphone (PES), polysulphone (PSU),polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyether ketones (PAEK, PEK, PEEK),polyamide (PA) and polyphthalamide (PPA).
 13. The rotary pump accordingto claim 1, wherein at least one of the actuating member sliding surfaceand the track is formed by a metal-ceramic layer.
 14. The rotary pumpaccording to the preceding claim, wherein the layer is a ceramic layeror a smooth ceramic layer.
 15. The rotary pump according to claim 14,wherein the layer contains PTFE.
 16. The rotary pump according to claim1, wherein nitrided steel or TiCN forms one of the track and theactuating member sliding surface.
 17. The rotary pump according to claim1, wherein a casing portion comprising the track at least substantiallyconsists of metal or is formed from a metal as a substrate material anda sliding layer of the sliding material forming the track is applied tothe substrate material or is formed by modifying the substrate material.18. The rotary pump according to claim 17, wherein a casting materialforms the casing portion or the substrate material of the casingportion.
 19. The rotary pump according to claim 18, wherein the castingmaterial is a die casting material, a chill casting material or a sandcasting material exhibiting a corresponding structure.
 20. The rotarypump according to claim 1, wherein the actuating member including theactuating member sliding surface consists at least substantially ofmetal or is formed from a metal as a substrate material and a slidinglayer of the sliding material forming the actuating member slidingsurface is applied to the substrate material or is formed by modifyingthe substrate material.
 21. The rotary pump according to claim 20,wherein a casing portion comprising the track at least substantiallyconsists of metal or is formed from a metal as a substrate material anda sliding layer of the sliding material forming the track is applied tothe substrate material or is formed by modifying the substrate material,and wherein the metal of the casing portion and the metal of theactuating member contain the same metallic element at least as theirmain constituent.
 22. The rotary pump according to claim 17, wherein themetal is aluminum or an aluminum-based alloy or another light metal. 23.The rotary pump according to claim 17, wherein a ceramic material of thesubstrate material forms the sliding layer.
 24. The rotary pumpaccording to claim 17, wherein the ceramic material of the substratematerial is aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃).
 25. The rotary pump according toclaim 17, wherein the metal is aluminum or an aluminum-based alloy whichcontains silicon, or the metal is an aluminum-based alloy containing atleast one of copper and iron.
 26. The rotary pump according to claim 1,wherein at least one of the actuating member and the casing, or at leasta casing portion which forms the track, is formed from the slidingmaterial.
 27. The rotary pump according to claim 1, wherein theactuating force is arranged to counteract an elasticity member; or theactuating member is an actuating piston which can be charged with thefluid of the high-pressure side.
 28. The rotary pump according to claim1, wherein the delivery rotor and the actuating member can be axiallymoved in relation to the rotational axis.
 29. The rotary pump accordingto claim 1, comprising another delivery rotor which can be rotated inthe delivery chamber about another rotational axis, wherein the deliveryrotors are in delivery engagement with each other.
 30. The rotary pumpaccording to claim 1, wherein the pump is an external-axle rotary pumpor an external toothed wheel pump.
 31. A method for manufacturing therotary pump according to claim 1, wherein: a) a casing portion formingthe track is formed from a light metal; b) the actuating member isformed from the same or a different light metal; and c) the casingportion for producing the track or the actuating member for producingthe actuating member sliding surface is coated with the slidingmaterial, or the light metal of the casing portion or the light metal ofthe actuating member is or are modified at the surface into the slidingmaterial.
 32. The method according to the preceding claim, wherein atleast one of the casing portion and the actuating member is ceramised inthe region of the track or the actuating member sliding surface,preferably anodized, nitrided or provided with a plastic coating, asliding varnish, a tungsten carbide coating, a Ferroprint coating or anano-coating.
 33. The method according to claim 25, wherein the casingportion is formed from an aluminum-based alloy by sand casting, chillcasting or die casting, and the track is preferably formed bymechanically machining the casting material.
 34. The method according toclaim 25, wherein the actuating member for forming the actuating membersliding surface is coated with a plastic modified to lubrication.